Parliamentary RDI monitoring group discusses multiannual plan for use of R&D funding

In its meeting on 29 May, the government-appointed parliamentary research, development and innovation (RDI) monitoring group discussed the multiannual plan for the use of research and development funding, which is currently under preparation. The monitoring group highlighted the role of R&D experts and stressed the importance of deepening cooperation and improving effectiveness in R&D activities.

The parliamentary RDI monitoring group discussed the current draft of the multiannual plan for the use of central government R&D funding and reviewed the feedback received from stakeholders. The monitoring group emphasised the importance of the parliamentary consensus reached earlier on developing the RDI system.  In addition to cooperation, expertise and effectiveness, the discussions highlighted the importance of including R&D funding in the basic funding for higher education institutions, a need that was presented in the stakeholder feedback and elsewhere. When allocating funding, it is important to ensure that funds are actually targeted at research and development, the group noted. 
“Research and development plays a key role in society’s renewal and people’s wellbeing. R&D funding also makes it possible to increase the intangible capital that strengthens Finnish society,” said Member of Parliament Mari-Leena Talvitie, who chairs the monitoring group.

As set out in the Government Programme, the multiannual plan for the use of R&D funding was drawn up by a working group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment under the leadership of the Research and Innovation Council. The Act on Research and Development Funding in 2024–2030 states that the Government will adopt a plan for the use of central government research and development funding once every electoral term.

The parliamentary monitoring group is responsible for keeping track of progress on the national RDI targets and for supporting and monitoring the implementation of the multiannual plan for the use of R&D funding. The monitoring group has members from all parliamentary groups formed on the basis of parliamentary elections, along with permanent experts from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Inquiries: Mari-Leena Talvitie, Member of Parliament, Chair of the parliamentary RDI monitoring group, tel. +358 9 432 3175 and Johanna Moisio, Secretary-General of the Research and Innovation Council, Prime Minister’s Office. tel. +358 295 160 625.